Actor Parul Gulati, who was trolled for her appearance on popular reality show Shark Tank India 2, reacted to the fuming reactions of netizens, and said, “I took home Rs 1 crore, they didn’t.” Parul’s reaction came after netizens were left outraged over her appearance in the show, with many calling her out and claiming she appeared for marketing and not receiving investment.
“They are saying that it is scripted. Of course the first three lines of my pitch I wrote them,” Parul said in an interview with ETimes. “People also thought I was confident, actually, I was quite nervous when I started the pitch. It did irk me a little with the reaction I received. I thought, at the end of the day I took that Rs 1 cr cheque home they didn’t,” she added.
During the finale episode of Shark Tank India 2, popular actress Parul Gulati pitched her hair brand, Nish Hair, to the panel of investors. Her pitch ultimately sealed a deal with CarDekho CEO, Amit Jain, who invested Rs 1 crore for a 2% equity stake in the business.
As the episode aired, Parul received criticism from some netizens who felt that the Sharks should be investing in struggling entrepreneurs and small businesses, rather than someone who is already a successful actress.
The Facts of the Matter
It’s not uncommon for celebrities to use reality shows as a platform for self-promotion rather than actually contributing to the show’s overall value. Recently, ‘Selection Day’ actor Parul Gulati was called out for a similar notion, after she appeared on Shark Tank India 2, and ended up leaving with a Rs 1 crore funding.
After the episode aired many netizens took to Twitter and expressed their displeasure. Many called Gulati out for simply choosing the show to promote herself. Others also remained critical of the show runners and opined that the show should stick to helping small businesses and entrepreneurs out.
Last Episode of Shark Tank Draws Flak
Amidst both praises and criticisms, the final episode of Shark Tank India 2 aired on March 10. However, one pitch drew in the wrath of the netizens. It featured none other than actress Parul Gulati and her hair extension brand.
Parul, who has previously appeared in shows like Girls Hostel, Your Honor, Illegal – Justice and Selection Day, revealed the driving force behind her entrepreneurial journey despite her existing stardom. During the pitch, Parul asked for a whopping Rs 1 crore for a mere 2 percent equity.
Although Sharks Vineeta Singh and Aman Gupta offered the same amount for a higher equity percentage of 3 percent, Amit Jain decided to give Parul what she asked for, and she quickly took up his offer.
Social Media Ablaze with Criticism Against Parul Gulati
However, after the episode aired, social media was ablaze with criticisms. Many netizens accused Parul of using the show as a marketing platform rather than an actual funding opportunity for her brand. Some went as far as calling it a ‘scripted drama’, while others expressed their disappointment that the opportunity wasn’t given to an entrepreneur who has vision behind their startup.
After the parul gulati episode… I am sure shark tank show is scripted 😒
— Vineeta Singh 🇮🇳 (@biharigurl) March 13, 2023
Overconfidence is there in pitch.Shark tank should promote real entrepreneurs.
— arpit agarwal (@aagarwalsjc) March 10, 2023
Is it scripted?? Over valuation?
— rushi 007 (@rushi00713) March 12, 2023
Parul Gulati part of Shark Tank India was much much more overrated than Anuvab Singh Bassi's stand up special.
— ugichapla_tweet (@ugichapla_tweet) March 14, 2023
finally someone said this. She actually used her celebrity card to get to the finals. Too much attitude and very informal.
— akanemohoe (@Bhushanc58) March 10, 2023
What's your take on featuring already established entrepreneurs on #SharkTankIndia? The show recently featured Parul Gulati, who's already doing well in her acting career. Netizens felt she is self-capable of raising capital for her venture #NishHair.
— Deep Gautam (@ddeepgautam) March 13, 2023
Also Read: Shark Tank India’s Anupam Mittal Calls Aman Gupta ‘Phekuchand’, Tells Pitcher “Inki Baaton Mein..”
“I took that 1 cr cheque home..”: Parul Reacts
In the aftermath of the criticism, Parul gave an exclusive interview to ETimes, where she doubled down on her decision to appear on the show by saying that she was the one to receive the funding, not those who trolled her.
“People also thought I was confident, actually, I was quite nervous when I started the pitch. It did irk me a little with the reaction I received. I thought, at the end of the day I took that Rs 1 cr cheque home they didn’t,” she was quoted saying.
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